Cleaning up after the flood: Neckargemünd campsite ready for operation again
Flood warning and evacuation
When the water level of the Neckar in Gundelsheim exceeded the 4.80 m mark on Friday, the river overflowed its banks at the campsite in Neckargemünd. On Sunday, June 2, 2024, the water level finally reached 7.75 m, which meant that the campsite was about 1.50 m under water at its lowest point.
Siegrun and Joachim Arlt, the tenants of the campsite, reported: “We received the first warning from the fire department and the citizens’ office. It was unclear how high the water would ultimately rise. We prepared for the worst and began to inform our guests and clear the area in an organised manner. Our guests left the site calmly and we were able to move our mobile containers with the reception, toilets and cabins to safety.”
Thomas Strifler from the canoe rental company added: “Dismantling in the event of a flood is relatively easy for us, as our boats can handle water and are often taken away by trailer. Our rental area was cleared quickly.”
Coordinated support measures
Besides the campsite, other areas in Neckargemünd were also at risk. The crisis team, led by Mayor Frank Volk and City Fire Chief Dirk Weinmann, provided continuous information and support. Emergency staff from all public safety organizations did a great job: The THW technical assistance organisation and the fire department filled and distributed sandbags, the DLRG water rescue team took over the transportation of people to their homes, and the Red Cross provided food for the supporters. Relief efforts were coordinated around the clock at the fire station, while the city’s technical services were on duty throughout the weekend. The public order office also continuously monitored the situation on site.
Tidying up
On Tuesday morning at around 8 a.m., the flood waters began to recede and had returned into the riverbed by 6 p.m. “We were able to remove the dirt and mud from the receding flood all day,” explained city councillor Steffen Wachert.
“The high flow speed of the Neckar during the flooding was actually a blessing, as less sludge settled which made cleaning a quick job.” The fire department and Department Commander Ralf Buchwald came to help us without any bureaucracy involved, and the city services arrived with a large sweeper to clear the paths. Landscaper Christian Händel provided a wheel loader. Master electrician Martin Holschuh made sure that the power was back on and patiently dried one socket after another.
Annette Weber-Braun launched an appeal for help at www.nebenan.de, which many people in the neighborhood responded to. Günther Kirchgässner, the longtime good soul of the campsite, coordinated the many volunteers and lent a hand everywhere.
The relaunch
The campsite and the canoe rental are open again!
Many thanks to all the emergency services for their tremendous efforts: the fire department, the THW, the DLRG, the Red Cross, the neighbors and the many volunteers. As a small token of appreciation, all helpers are invited to a helpers’ party in July.
